There are a few issues for multiple free agents on the market, including Ben Simmons. Reports have suggested that the New York Knicks are interested in the former No. 1 overall pick, but given that some other teams in the league either lack roster spots or financial resources, the situation is somewhat confusing.
The Knicks still have an open roster spot and could look at Simmons as a veteran minimum contract player.
Outside of Russell Westbrook, there aren’t many players still available for the Knicks to pursue who could realistically have any opportunity to play. However, that might not be the best thing for different reasons.
Dan Favale of Daily Knicks believes that New York signing Simmons would be a disaster, but noted that they might be the favorite to land him right now.
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“Though the Phoenix Suns have also been name-checked as a potential landing spot, the fit is exceedingly poor. They have also since hinted at using Jalen Green as their de facto point guard, and added both Jordan Goodwin and Jared Butler. None of these are moves that indicate they’re hot for Simmons.
“That leaves the Knicks. They are the only other credibly reported possibility for Simmons so far. That could change, but they are indeed in the market for another guard, and defender. Simmons technically checks those boxes, but adding him would come at a steep cost that has nothing to do with money,” he wrote.
It's tough to say that signing Simmons would be a disaster, although he certainly hasn't proven enough over the past few years.
Prior to some strange instances around the league for Simmons, including essentially getting kicked off the Philadelphia 76ers in a trade, he was once one of the better defenders in the NBA.
If he can at least give the Knicks that, they'd be getting something.